Scientists at the University of Massachusetts discovered the Rapunzel virus, which grows the longest tail of any bacteriophage to find and puncture one of the hardiest bacteria in the world. Research published Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Bacteriophage P74-26 is a virus that infects bacteria. Its tail is about 10 times longer than other bacteriophages. Tails of bacteriophages can be long, short, rigid or elastic. Once inside, the virus causes the bacterium to produce its DNA. In this case, the virus injects its genetic material with the help of the tail, which is a hollow tube.
In the new study, scientists examined the tail structure of the P74-26 virus using cryoelectron microscopy. Despite its gigantic size, the researchers found that Rapunzel’s tail contains half as many building blocks as the tails of other bacteriophages. This combination probably made the tail more stable at higher temperatures.
The virus lives in hot springs that reach 77 degrees Celsius and infects bacteria. Thermus thermophilus.
Understanding how the tail of viruses works will help scientists develop better methods to fight deadly bacteria.
Source: Gazeta
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